Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.
NTSB analysis
A witness observed the helicopter depart and begin aerial spray operations in a corn field. He turned away and heard a loud “pop,” then turned around to see the helicopter collide with a power line guy wire and the ground before bursting in flames. A postaccident examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly, and accessories revealed no anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10LA348 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 5, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Marion, Kentucky
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R44
- N-number
- N857PM
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.